A MYSTERY benefactor has been spotted handing out fivers to shoppers at Liverpool's Lime Street station.

The woman, described as in her 70s and holding a Harrods carrier bag, was seen handing out the notes to people at around 2pm yesterday.

Witnesses said she had also been there on Sunday afternoon.

Emily Curtis, 18, a marketing worker based at a stand just inside the station, watched in amazement when the woman started handing out the cash.

Emily said: "The woman walked out of the station and handed £5 notes to a group of teenage lads. "They couldn't believe what was happening and were asking her why, but she walked off towards Ranelagh Street."

Another woman who was given £5 said: "I saw her give the money to the lads. It caused quite a commotion because they were laughing and looking for a secret camera or something.

"Then she walked up to me and reached into her Harrods bag and gave me £5.

"I was quite startled and felt a bit paranoid - when something like that happens you assume it is being filmed for TV."

A spokesman for Merseyrail Electrics, which runs Central Station, said: "We can confirm that there were no TV crews in the station this weekend or yesterday. We are not aware of any publicity stunt which this woman may been involved with."